Gautam Gambhir joins DDCA but his position under conflict of interest scanner

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion to Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) as a government nominee has been under the scanner due to conflict of interest. Gambhir took to Twitter to announce his new role that has been nominated in the managing committee of the DDCA and also showed his gratitude to Indian sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.

However, Gambhir is still an active first-class cricketer and as per the Lodha committee recommendations, this appointment will fall under the conflict of interest pursuit if he is part of the policy-making body before announcing his retirement from the game.

Role of the managing committee

The DDCA managing committee will have the right to select a coach and take a call on the selection committee, which will directly benefit Gambhir as he is still active. At the same appointment, Delhi High Court appointed administrator of DDCA, Justice (Retd) Vikramajit Sen said he was unaware of the existence of any managing committee.

“I have not received any notification from the government about Gautam Gambhir’s appointment. I am not aware of any managing committee. I will be writing to the sports ministry to seek more details,” Justice Sen was quoted as saying by TOI on Saturday. “Also, he is an active cricketer, so I am not sure if Lodha Committee reforms will allow him to take up administrative post,” he added.

It was learnt that no such managing committee exists in reality since the time court-appointed administrator took over, and nobody knows who are in the managing body.

When Gambhir was asked about the conflict of interest issue then he said if it arises he will not take up the post.
“Gautam has no plans to retire and will be playing active cricket. If there is a conflict of interest issue, he will not take up the post,” he said.